Related Articles
The much-anticipated Champions Trophy 2025 has finally found a resolution with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) agreeing to the hybrid hosting model, allowing India’s games to be played in Dubai, UAE. The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the finalized structure on Friday, December 13, putting an end to months of deliberations.
Table of content
Split Venues for Champions Trophy
The tournament, originally slated to be entirely hosted in Pakistan, will now be split:
- Three venues in Pakistan will host most of the matches.
- Dubai will serve as the venue for all matches involving India.
This hybrid model has been devised in response to the BCCI’s adherence to Indian government directives prohibiting travel to Pakistan due to ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Resolution After Long Delays
The decision follows multiple postponed meetings between the ICC, PCB, and BCCI, which had stalled progress. However, with Jay Shah stepping in as ICC chairman, the process was expedited, ensuring clarity for the eight-team tournament scheduled between February and March 2025.
Despite the compromise, the PCB will not receive additional compensation for relinquishing exclusive hosting rights. Instead, as part of the agreement, Pakistan will host an ICC Women’s event after the conclusion of the 2023–2027 Future Tours Programme (FTP) cycle.
A Politically Sensitive Issue
The hybrid model reflects the strained relations between India and Pakistan, as the BCCI maintained its stance of avoiding travel to the neighboring country. The compromise comes after months of uncertainty, ensuring that the marquee tournament proceeds smoothly while accommodating both nations’ concerns.
What Lies Ahead
The Champions Trophy 2025 is shaping up to be a unique iteration of the tournament, with its hybrid hosting model potentially setting a precedent for similar situations in the future. Fans from both nations, and around the globe, will now gear up for the return of this prestigious event under a new format that balances cricketing aspirations with geopolitical realities.
